I was sitting at my desk, in an unfulfilling job, when I received a phone call from Sharon. She didn’t know if I was still looking for work but had a job opening so I told her to keep talking. Fast forward 3 months, I had been working at IU for just a little over a month when Covid 19 began. It was an unprecedented time and I was newly pregnant with my second child. Nervous of the unknowns, Sharon approached me with an IU Program for vulnerable employees. I was able to do non-patient-facing care for 8 weeks while developments emerged about the novel virus. When I returned to work, I was concerned about maternity leave and my position as I had been employed for less than a year. Sharon helped guide and ensured my position during my maternity leave. She was very flexible with my return date and even offered part-time hours to help through a childcare crunch. Sharon values family, she values work-life balance and that became extremely apparent. Whenever she can, Sharon says “yes.”

Sharon also is the biggest nursing advocate. Several coworkers and I wanted to be involved in the premium contract. Unfortunately, they closed application before we were able to apply. Sharon advocated and fought for us all to be involved. The program changed the trajectory of my family’s life. We became debt free and were able to build an emergency fund. I owe it all to Sharon.

I hope that through all of my stories, you can see Sharon’s character, continued support, and the value she places on the needs of her staff. She truly wants the best for us and advocates for us daily. She embodies and emulates the highest expectations I have of a manager.